Showing 1-46 of 46 items found in Events

Join in the fun at our two-day cultural event featuring exhibits, traditional demonstrations and unique performances that appeal to all age groups. All Festival activities are included with Garden admission. The Japanese Summer Festival weekend begins with an Opening Ceremony at 10:00 Saturday morning on the lawn near the Pavilion in the Garden of Reflection and will be immediately followed by the first Taiko drum performance.

Enjoy a day of fun with art, music, history, and good food on the grounds of the historic Ellwood Mansion at the Ellwood House Museum’s annual summer event, the Art Fair & Ice Cream Social. Thirty artists from the Midwest will exhibit and sell their work on the front lawn of the mansion in such media as paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and fiber arts. Folk rock duo Patchouli will entertain during the first part of the day and at 2:30 P.M., the DeKalb Municipal Band will take over for its annual concert on the terrace. First-floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion and the Ellwood-Nehring House will be offered from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The DeKalb Area Garden Club will present garden vignettes in the Visitor Center throughout the day.

Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy nominated comedian, New York Times Best Selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum selling father of five. His fourth hour special, "Obsessed," premiered at #1 on iTunes which gave Gaffigan five albums in the Top 25 Comedy category on iTunes. The album also earned a nomination for ‘Best Comedy Album of the Year' at the 2015 Grammy's.

Take the plunge into the deep, dark, Savage Ancient Seas! It is the world of the late Cretaceous period-over 70 million years ago! Filled with huge carnivorous marine reptiles with double-hinged jaws and teeth in the middle of their palates, gigantic flesh-eating fish big enough to swallow an adult human being whole, flying reptiles with 3-foot skulls, and the biggest sea turtles to have ever lived! Exhibit opens to the public January 17, 2015, and is here until September 7, 2015.

Great food, carnival, on-site activities, and of course, the bands are what make a summer music festival an event to remember. Valley Days at Bauman Park has proven to be the fun-filled summer music festival your family shouldn't miss.

Cider n' Cinnamon has been a Rockford art & craft tradition for over 40 years! Join us for this free art and craft event held at Edgebrook annually. More than 70 exhibitors will be displaying a variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage décor, and so much more! Enjoy delicious food and live music both days! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with unique and local finds for the gift giving season. In addition to the vendors, all Edgebrook merchants will have normal business hours and our eateries will be ready to serve you.

Comedian Bill Engvall will be performing and filming his new special at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The thing that makes any entertainer successful is the ability to connect with an audience. It's the quality of sharing the humor in everyday situations that has made Bill Engvall one of the top comedians today. In addition to stand-up comedy, Bill has hosted numerous television shows, starred in and executive produced his own self-titled sitcom for TBS, and has appeared in several films. Bill is also the only comedian to make it to the semi-finals of Dancing With The Stars.

Corn Fest is one of the last, free, summer, music festivals among Illinois music and summer festivals in Illinois. Well over 100,000 people from around Illinois and the Midwest attend the music festival over a three day weekend. This festival features a carnival complete with rides and games, food booths, free live music, kiddie korner with large inflatables, family entertainment and much more. Friday night is carnival wristband nights for the kids with unlimited rides from 6-10pm. Festival areas feature food and business vendor booths, and a beer garden

The DeKalb County Barn Tour is a one-day driving tour of barn sites within DeKalb County hosted by the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association and the JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. Participants will receive a map Guide Book containing hand-drawn sketches of each barn and the barn’s history, style and use. Participants drive to each location in any order for a tour of the barn(s), including many interiors. Purchase your event ticket at any of the seven locations. Admission is $20 per vehicle (buses extra) (Museum members receive a 25% discount). Bus groups are welcome.

The DeKalb Farmers Market features locally-grown produce, wine, baked goods, flowers and artisan crafts. The market is open every Thursday (June 4th - Sept 24th) 10am - 2pm at Van Buer Plaza on the corner of North Second & Locust St. in DeKalb.

The DeKalb Farmers' Market is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! Join us for a special market day of celebration on August 20th from 10 am - 2 pm in Van Buer Plaza in Downtown DeKalb! There will be a Live Lunch Music Series presented by the Egyptian Theatre featuring the Kishwaukee Brass Quintet and drawings throughout the day for a chance to win $20 to use at any market vendor!

Join Egyptian Theatre staff as they provide a tour of the historic Egyptian Theatre using just your flashlights. Guests will be treated to a behind the scenes backstage tour which will highlight the haunted history of the theatre. This is the tour that reveals all the secrets and lets you go places the public has never seen. Don’t forget to bring your camera! You never know what you might capture in your pictures. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students & seniors. Guests must bring a flashlight for the tour. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. This evening tour will last approximately 2 hours and the tickets are limited, so don’t wait!

For one very special weekend each year, everyone who passes through the gates is an "Honorary Italian." Bring your family for great Italian food and pastries, continuous entertainment, Italian cultural exhibit, souvenirs, Bocce tournaments, carnival rides, children's crafts and much more. The festival is held on the grounds at Boylan High School.

Held rain or shine on the second weekend after Labor Day every year, Greenwich Village Art Fair is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest. The annual two-day event features up to 155 juried artists, live music by local musicians, a gourmet marketplace, children's art activities and food and drink.

Join Steven Bigolin as he leads a guided walking tours of Downtown Sycamore, He will lead a tour highlighting the architecture and local history connected to Sycamore’s downtown. The tour will last about an hour and a half, wear comfortable shoes.Location: Meet at 308 W. State Street, City Center. Time: 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Per Person

Join Steven Bigolin as he leads a guided walking tours of Sycamore’s Main Street. Bigolin will lead a tour highlighting the architecture and local history connected to the homes along Main Street. Stops on the walk will include, the Townsend House (currently the Paper Doll House) and carriage house (Willow’s Hometown Cafe), the Boyton House, the DeKalb County Court House, Library, Post Office and Rick Turner’s Law office. Meet at the Courthouse lawn. The tour will last about an hour, wear comfortable shoes.Location: Courthouse lawn. Time: 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Per Person

Join Steven Bigolin as he leads guided walking tours of Sycamore’s History District – featuring the beautiful homes along Somonauk Street. Meet at the statue of Wally’ Thurow, at Somonauk and Elm Street. Bigolin will lead a tour highlighting the architecture and local history connected to Sycamore. The tour will last about an hour and a half, wear comfortable shoes. Location: Wally Thurow statue (near corner of Somonauk and Elm) Time: 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Per Person.

Meet at the Wally Thurow statue (corner of Somonauk and Elm). Join Steven Bigolin as the guided walking tours of Sycamore’s History District continue throughout the summer. Bigolin will lead a tour highlighting the architecture and local history connected to the homes along Somonauk Street. The tour will last about an hour and a half, wear comfortable shoes. Time: 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Per Person

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit community orchestra which provides a place for area musicians to use their talents in an orchestral setting. The orchestra consists of professional, student, and dedicated amateur musicians. KSO presents it's Fall Concert, Voilà Viola on Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 pm. The concert will be at NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, and there will be a free pre-concert lecture in the hall.

The Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit community orchestra which provides a place for area musicians to use their talents in an orchestral setting. The orchestra consists of professional, student, and dedicated amateur musicians. The KSO will present its annual free concert of music with a theme appropriate for children and adults. The 5:30 concert will be repeated at 7:30, and there will be trick-or-treating in the building a half hour before the 5:30 concert. The concerts will take place at NIU Boutell Memorial Concert Hall.

Experience the Kishwaukee Valley Art League (KVAL) second annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Market being held at the beautifully refurbished “Old Train Depot” in Sycamore, IL. Enjoy the nostalgia and holiday ambiance that are to be found at this event which promises a little bit of something for everyone and every taste. Local artisans have created one of a kind finds that are sure to add to family traditions and start new ones. Some of the items that will be available for purchase are handcrafted jewelry and soaps, pottery, wood work, digital photography, bottle art, glass painting, purses, fine art pieces, note cards and holiday ornaments. Refreshments will also be served.

The Grammy award-winning country group Little Big Town has added a fall leg to their The Pain Killer Tour that will hit the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, IL on October 29th. Hot off their win for Vocal Group of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, the band is touring to support the release of their 6th album, Pain Killer. We hope you'll join Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, and Kimberly Schlapman in DeKalb on October 29th. Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 5 at 10:00am local time. The band will again offer a unique VIP experience for fans; allowing them to choose from 2 limited packages including meet and greets, exclusive merchandise, and more. Ticket prices range from $35-45 and will be available at the Convocation Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or by phone 800-745-3000. See more at: http://niuconvo.com/convo/events/convo_events/2015/10/LittleBigTown.shtml#sthash.Hozy1c7R.dpuf

Rockford Midtown District's second 2nd Annual Day of Celebration of all the diverse cultures in Rockford includes a parade of colors and customs and a festival with international foods, performances, information, genealogy, a children's area, a beer garden, and much more.

Military Tribute & Concert featuring USAF Band of Mid-America “Shades of Blue”

The military tribute will honor local first responders, military members and veterans. There will be a presentation a to honor local first responders and a Flag Honor Program with Honor Guard and Taps. There will also be a display of local fire and police equipment and K-9 unit. The evening concludes with a performance by the USAF Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble playing a free concert.

Mark your calendar! The 8th annual Mosaic World Film Festival will be held at the J.R. Sullivan Theatre, which is located in the Nordlof Center (118 North Main St. Rockford, IL 61101) on Friday, August 28th, Saturday August 29th, and Sunday August 30th, 2015. Founded in 2008, the Mosaic World Film Festival aims to unite and promote filmmakers from all over the world through the creative and powerful medium of film. The event was started by students from the Rockford, IL area who desired to create an event that would empower young people to creatively express themselves, while providing them with the means to affect their community in a positive way.

Mutt Strut is a 5K run/walk-a-thon benefiting TAILS Humane Society. Come out and enjoy a beautiful path through Hopkins Park and then spend the afternoon with us at the Fun Fest. This portion of the event will feature dog contest, dog demonstrations, great food, local vendors, kids activities and mores. The walk/run costs $25 per adult and $10 per youth and the fun fest is free. And don't forget fido, this a dog friendly event!

Chicago’s legendary sketch and improve comedy theater returns to the NIU Convocation Center with “The Second City: Fully Loaded.” This irresistible new show features classic material made famous by Second City stars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell, as well as brand new scenes, songs and improv straight from their sold out shows in Chicago and Toronto. This must-see evening of comedy features some of Chicago’s best and brightest in a special one night only engagement. Fresh, fast and always spectacularly funny, The Second City is celebrating 55 years of producing cutting-edge satirical revues and continues to launch the careers of comedy superstars. Tickets for The Second City go on sale Friday, July 17th at 10:00am and range from $15.00 - $35.00. Tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center box office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000. For more information, please call 815-752-6800 or visit www.niuconvo.com.

Imagine a golden ball of Midwestern sun breaking on the horizon. As the night dew still clings to the vines and the grass in the pastures, a farm comes to life with the sights and sounds of morning. Hot coffee steeps in the pot. Hard-working farm-hands begin the daily chores. Horses whinny as the cool rush of morning air fills their lungs. The gently rolling hills are aglow with another new day. This is the beauty of horses and the magic of a vineyard. Paddock Hills Equestrian Center is located with Prairie Orchard Farm vineyard in the majestic countryside of Union, IL, and is minutes from the I-90 expressway, but miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs. Whether, attending one of our many horse shows, riding lessons, clinics, or programs, we are sure that your time with us will be well spent.

Performer, songwriter, producer, and Grammy award winning music star Richard Marx will be Live in Concert at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Downtown DeKalb on Friday, September 25 at 8:00 PM. As a performer, songwriter and producer, Richard Marx’s nearly three-decade-long career has had innumerable of highlights. The Chicago native has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, starting with his self-titled debut which went to #8 and spawned four Top 5 singles, including the chart-topping “Hold on to the Nights,” with “Don’t Mean Nothing” earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Tickets for Richard Marx will go on sale to the general public on Friday, June 12 at 10:00 AM. Ticket prices are $25.00, $35.00 and $65.00.

Join us for a fun and enjoyable bike ride through DeKalb and Kane Counties and support the historic Egyptian Theatre on Satruday, August 22nd. Since the ride starts and ends at the Egyptian Theatre, you will have the opportunity to explore this historic landmark. This bike ride offers four mix-n-match 25-mile loops. All participants will be provided with route maps and all routes will be marked with signs. There will be great SAG support on all loops and a well-stocked central rest stop. Bike at your own speed, this is not a race. All ages are welcome, however, those under the age of 16 must ride with a participating parent or guardian. There will be an end-of-ride meal provided for registered riders. Meal will feature soup, sandwiches, and refreshments.

The Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell natural products and unique retail items, live music, demonstrations and kid's activities. Enjoy the fun Fridays from 3:30-8:30 p.m. May 22-October 02 (3:30-7:30 p.m. after Labor Day). Located on Water Street in Downtown Rockford.

Summer time is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a 1,000-foot slip-and-slide? Slide the City is coming to Rockford on September 4-5 and will be set up along the Morgan Street bridge. There will be live music, food, drinks, water, and of course the biggest slip and slide ever to hit asphalt. Make sure to bring your water buckets, floaties, and squirt guns to spray, splash, and get all attending soaked.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an outrageous assemblage of the most stereo-typed science fiction movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock 'n' roll of every vintage. Rated R. Featuring the live shadow cast of "Irrational Masters". Props that are not allowed are: lighters, candles or flames of any kind, large water guns, toast, hot dogs, or prunes. Prop kits will be available for purchase in the lobby before the show. Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10:00 pm.

Bring your family out to Katz Park for a FREE overnight event on Saturday, August 8th. Enjoy learning about the night sky with astronomers from NIU's Observatory who will have telescopes for viewing planets and constellations. Bring some snacks, blankets, and sleeping bags to enjoy watching the night sky change before your eyes. The experts on hand will be available to answer your questions, and education activities will be provided throughout the night by NIU STEM Outreach and Dekalb Park District Staff.

The area's oldest outdoor summer theatre with four musical productions in June and July. Starlight's home, the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre, features more than a thousand seats and a stunningly artistic and creative retractable roof. 2015 Season: Mary Poppins - June 3-6, July 8-12; The Last Five Years - June 10-13, July 15-19; Memphis - June 17-20, July 22-26; Young Frankenstein - June 24-27, July 29-August 2

Calling all kids who want to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), this is your chance to experience Northern Illinois University's beautiful campus and to learn more about these important subjects. Choose a Track: Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, or Video Game Design for campers Entering Grades 10-12. There is not a residency requirement, all students that fit the camp age specifications are welcome to register. Have a little fun while you learn this summer. Parents, while your child is exploring STEM, you can explore DeKalb County and all it has to offer.

The History of the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club invites you to their annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee August 13th - 16th, 2015. This family friendly event is a great way to step back in time and see many antique machines at work. Threshing using steam engines and gas tractors. Also, a sawmill in operation sawing logs into lumber using Steam Power and Baling Straw using Club's 1900 Sandwich stationary wire-tie baler are just a few of the engaging machine exhibitions that will be presented at the Bee. There will also be Barrel Train rides, rope making, mule team wagon rides and much more to entertain everyone.

Egyptian Theatre - DeKalb, IL. For over 18 years, the unforgettable trio (Frank, Sammy and Dean) excited audiences nightly at the Copa Room and the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. These wonderful performances have been recreated with remarkable accuracy. Critics all proclaim “One Swinging Night” as being as close as any person could come to experiencing the original Rat Pack. With so much talent on stage together, these wild wonderful performers would set the standard tone for all those who came to Vegas throughout the Swinging 60's. How could these performances be anything less than historical? The Chicago Rat Pack’s show, “One Swinging Night” is perhaps one of the few special productions that shall become as timeless as the actual counterparts (Sammy, Frank and Dean). This fantastic show transports its audiences to a time when life was a lot less complicated. “One Swinging Night” is a brilliant reenactment of the “Summit.” This was the period at which all three of the magnificent super-stars were at the prime of their wonderful careers. At times, these three actors seem to transcend reality by totally becoming the characters they portray. Along with this and the fact that each member of this cast is very talented in his own right makes “One Swinging Night” a show that must be seen!

The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms and Copperstone Inn are a unique venue for an unforgettable wedding ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner. An Orchard Ridge Farms/Copperstone Inn wedding offers the combination of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance that will create extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime. Our one hundred and thirty acres creates a majestic stage for your special event, a refreshing change from the average banquet facility.

It’s a great night as you don’t have to bring a dish to pass or talk to relatives. If you have never tried a turkey testicle, this is your chance! No need to worry about the weather the festival is held under one huge heated tent, with plenty of portable potties available. The bar is open but the number of people allowed inside at any one time is limited, as it can become pretty packed. There will also be hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale to remember the night. “So grab a friend that's never been, enjoy a cold brew, great music, and hot nuts!" This is a 21 and older event only so bring your ID. Hope to see you there.

World War II Days includes elaborate and realistic battles complete with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and exciting pyrotechnic displays. Saturday the battle shows are featured at 1:3 pm and 3:30pm. Sunday the battle time is 2:30 pm. More than 1,200 re-enactors represent the soldiers of the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy and Japan. In addition to the action on the battlefields, enjoy the skirmishes in the Village and Woods, demonstrations and displays in the buildings, woods encampments and the ambiance of the beautiful venue. Maps of the event site will be available when visitors arrive.